בְּאֵרוֹת

Beeroth, a place in Palestine

Definition

Beeroth is a proper noun referring to a specific place in ancient Palestine, meaning 'wells' or 'springs'. It is identified as one of the cities of the Gibeonites, who deceived Israel into making a treaty (Joshua 9:17). Later, it was allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25). The name also appears in lists of returning exiles (Ezra 2:25, Nehemiah 7:29), indicating its continued existence after the Babylonian exile. An earlier, distinct Beeroth is mentioned as a stopping point for the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 10:6), showing the name could apply to multiple locations known for their water sources.

Biblical Usage

Beeroth is used exclusively as a place name in the Old Testament. It appears in historical narratives and administrative lists. In Joshua, it is part of the story of the Gibeonite deception and the subsequent tribal allotment (Joshua 9:17, 18:25). In 2 Samuel 4:2, it is noted as the hometown of two of King Saul's captains. It also appears in post-exilic records documenting the return of people from captivity (Ezra 2:25, Nehemiah 7:29). Its mention in Deuteronomy 10:6 refers to a different, earlier location in the wilderness journey.

Etymology

The word בְּאֵרוֹת (Bᵉʼêrôwth) is the feminine plural construct form of the noun בְּאֵר (be'er, H875), meaning 'well' or 'pit'. It is derived from the root ב-א-ר (b-'-r), associated with digging or explaining. The plural form signifies 'wells', indicating a place characterized by multiple water sources. This naming convention is common in the arid regions of the Near East, where settlements were often established around reliable water supplies.

Semantic Range

The name Beeroth ('wells') serves as a tangible reminder of God's provision in a dry land, echoing themes of sustenance and life found in passages like Psalm 107:35. Its primary biblical appearance within the Gibeonite narrative (Joshua 9) highlights themes of covenant, oath-keeping, and the consequences of acting without seeking God's counsel. The town's inclusion in Benjamin's inheritance and the exile lists underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and restoring His people to the land, connecting physical geography with spiritual history.

In the ancient Near East, reliable water sources were critical for survival and settlement. A place named 'Wells' would have been a significant and desirable location, often a hub for travel and trade. The existence of two distinct places named Beeroth (one in the wilderness and one in Canaan) reflects this common practice of naming sites after their most vital natural resource. For the returning exiles (Ezra, Nehemiah), listing their town of origin reinforced their identity and claim to the ancestral land.

עַיִן (ayin, H5869) — A spring or fountain, a natural source of water, whereas a בְּאֵר is often a dug or constructed well. בּוֹר (bor, H953) — A pit or cistern, often for storing water, can also mean a dungeon; less specifically a source of fresh water than a בְּאֵר. מַעְיָן (ma'yan, H4599) — A spring or fountain, similar to עַיִן, denoting a flowing source.

Word Details

Scripture References